Vaginal Breech Birth: Learnings from 21 Years of Retrospective Data Analysis.

Introduction: Optimal delivery mode for vaginal breech birth at term remains controversial, with varying recommendations across international guidelines. This study aimed to evaluate common perceptions and outcomes associated with VBB using retrospective data, including benefits of cesarean section, maternal and neonatal risks. Material and Methods: We conducted a monocentric, retrospective cohort study over 21 years at a German tertiary perinatal center, examining term breech deliveries. Outcomes were compared between planned cesarean section and intended vaginal breech birth, with the latter group further categorized by successful and unsuccessful vaginal breech birth attempts. Results: Of all deliveries, 3.6% (3172) were singleton breech presentations beyond 36 weeks gestation. Among these, 2501 cases (78.8%) were planned cesarean sections, while 671 cases (21.2%) were intended vaginal breech births. Within the intended vaginal breech birth group, 524 (78%) achieved vaginal delivery, whereas 147 (22%) required secondary cesarean section. Maternal outcomes showed significant differences in blood loss (p < 0.001) and hospital stay (p < 0.001), favoring the vaginal breech birth group with lower blood loss and shorter hospital stays. However, neonatal interventions, including bag-mask ventilation and resuscitation, were significantly more frequent in the vaginal breech birth group (p < 0.001), along with increased short-term neonatal morbidity such as neonatal infections (p < 0.001), transient tachypnea (p = 0.002), and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (p = 0.008). Conclusion: The findings highlight an increase in intended vaginal breech births with a high rate of successful vaginal deliveries. Vaginal breech birth was associated with fewer maternal complications but elevated short-term neonatal morbidity. The results underscore the importance of individualized counseling and skilled provider presence when considering vaginal breech birth, supporting informed maternal choice and optimized delivery outcomes.